By Max Bentley

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10 Apr 2013 22:45:00

The Bianconeri defender admits that the Bundesliga champions were worthy winners over the two legs and hopes his side can become more of a force in Europe next season

Andrea Barzagli admits that Juventus were second-best after the Italian side were defeated 2-0 at home by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final second leg, ultimately ensuring their elimination 4-0 on aggregate.

Goals from Mario Mandzukic and Claudio Pizarro ensured it is now 10 years since the Bianconeri have reached the semi-finals, and on that occasion they were eventually defeated by Milan in the final.

Speaking to Mediaset, the 31-year-old defender said: “We certainly played better than the first leg, but Bayern proved they are a very strong side and one stronger than us.

“We need to improve in order to reach their level and maybe by working hard we can get there.

“This was our first Champions League in many years, for some of us the first full stop. Bayern have been at this level for five or six years, but we are just dipping our toes in."

Barzagli praised the support of the home fans and hopes that the team can achieve success by regaining the Serie A title.

“We played with great fans and we thank them for supporting us. Now we have to end the season well," he added.

“It’s a shame we were unable to give them something to celebrate, but it was wonderful to receive applause even after the defeat.”

Paul Pogba has impressed in his debut Champions League campaign, but the Frenchman agreed Bayern were worthy winners over the two legs.

Speaking to reporters after the game, he said: "I'm happy with the effort we put in, but we played against a better team with more experience.

"We would have liked to score early but they didn't give us the chance. They played very well and the first goal made it too much for us in the end."

Bayern join Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Barcelona in the semi-finals, with the draw being made on Friday.